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Are you in danger? OSHA is Seeking to Regulate Workplace Violence Prevention Programs

By Olivia Wann

OSHA published the Guidelines for Preventing Workplace Violence for Healthcare and Social Service Workers and now plans to release a proposed rule in December which would be effective in 2025.

Interestingly, California dental practices were required to establish, implement and maintain a workplace violence prevention plan July 1st of this year, regardless of how many employees are in place.[1]

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New Law in Tennessee Requires Parental Consent

The Family Rights and Responsibilities Act took effect on July 1, 2024, in Tennessee. It introduces significant changes to healthcare practices by emphasizing parental consent. This law ensures parents have exclusive authority over their child’s physical and mental healthcare decisions. Furthermore, it highlights the critical role of parental involvement in such matters.

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OSHA Updates its Hazard Communication Standard

OSHA recently revised the criteria under the Hazard Communication Standard to enhance the information available to employees regarding various health and physical hazard classes. These updates are designed to ensure workers have clearer and more comprehensive guidance about potential risks in their work environment, promoting safety and compliance.

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Important Information on the Change HealthCare Cybersecurity Incident

As you are aware, Change Healthcare experienced a cyberattack in early 2024. Change Healthcare is owned by UnitedHealth Group and manages healthcare technology connected to processing insurance claims and billing. This includes Practice Works, SoftDent, Dentrix, EagleSoft, Open Dental, and many more companies. They serve essentially as the business associate to the covered entity. Please review your Business Associate Agreements in place with these companies.

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Where have all the employees gone?

by Olivia Wann

Safety (formerly OSAP).  A top down strategy to assess risk is to evaluate the areas of strategic, technology, financial, operations, legal/regulatory and human capital.

Based on the audience’s participation, it appears that most practices in attendance are struggling with human capital.  Between the labor shortage and having to employ dental assistants and administrative team members with little to no dental background, practices are struggling.

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